Centering Unit for Lab Transport Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

In diagnostic laboratory settings, there is a need for a simple, reliable, and cost-efficient method to center diagnostics laboratory transporting compartments of different dimensions accurately for precise test sample processing, as manual insertion and conveyor system variability often result in tilted orientations and misalignment with pipetting devices, leading to potential cross-contamination and damage.

Innovation Solution

A centering unit comprising two support parts with pivotally connected arms and grippers, a connector, and an elastic member, which aligns the longitudinal axis of the transporting compartment with the vertical axis of the centering position using synchronized rotations and resilient movements, ensuring accurate positioning and secure handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual insertion is used to place transporting compartments into holders, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to tilted orientations and misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The centering unit enables the transporting compartment to self-center automatically through gravitational force and geometric constraints. The V-shaped guide surfaces and pivotally connected arms create a mechanism where the compartment's own weight and shape drive the centering process, eliminating the need for precise manual placement while achieving accurate alignment with the vertical axis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The centering unit performs preliminary centering action before the transporting compartment enters the processing position. The arms with grippers and elastic members pre-adjust the compartment's orientation and position, ensuring it is properly aligned with the vertical axis before pipetting operations begin, thereby preventing cross-contamination and damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible adaptors with small insertion variability are used, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to cumulative tolerance errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different dimensionsVSAvoidcentering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The centering unit serves multiple functions: it centers transporting compartments of various dimensions, compensates for adaptor variability, ensures vertical alignment, and prevents cross-contamination. The universal design with adjustable arms and elastic members accommodates different compartment sizes while maintaining consistent centering accuracy across all variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The centering unit dynamically adjusts its parameters (arm position, gripper force, elastic member compression) based on the specific transporting compartment being centered. This allows the system to compensate for dimensional variations and adaptor tolerances, maintaining precise centering accuracy regardless of the compartment's specific dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conveyor systems with transportation path tolerances are used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment with pipetting devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The centering unit provides real-time feedback through its mechanical sensing mechanism. The pivotally connected arms and elastic members detect the actual position and orientation of the transporting compartment, automatically adjusting the centering force to compensate for conveyor tolerances, ensuring accurate alignment with the vertical axis and pipetting devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively centers diagnostics laboratory transporting compartments of varying dimensions, preventing cross-contamination and damage, while maintaining precise alignment for pipetting operations, thus ensuring reliable and efficient sample processing.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member, which is connected with the connector and a further connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Each of the at least two arms can comprise a first arm member and a second arm member connected to each other pivotally with a respective joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12163969B2Centering unit for diagnostic laboratory transporting compartment

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A centering unit for diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment is presented. The centering unit for diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment comprises at least two arms with grippers for centering diagnostics laboratory transporting compartments of different diameters. For accurate and reliable centering of laboratory transporting compartments, the two arms are biased with a single elastic member. A laboratory system and a method for centering diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment and diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment holder are also disclosed.